1Haskell Report post Posted July 15, 2015 Hello I would appreciate any and all input. I recently purchased the 4200 and it seemed all was fine until I changed the bobbin. The top thread seems to be one long stitch with tiny loops holding it down. The bottom stitch looks just fine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirtclod Report post Posted July 15, 2015 Sounds like your top tension is to tight. Back the top tension screw back off a little at a time sew and adjust till it looks right. Heres a link explaining it better. http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4302/understanding-thread-tension/page/all Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted July 15, 2015 (edited) Did you mean the 3200, or the 4500? The FIRST thing I would check is that your bobbin is in the right way. Anybody got a picture showing the end of this machine? I think with the 4500, pulling on the bobbin thread should cause the bobbin to turn counterclockwise. It may be you simply need to take out the bobbin, flip it over, and put it back in. Other words, with the bobbin case extended out (to put in or take out), the bobbin goes in with the thread coming off of the BOTTOM of the bobbin. Somebody with a 4500 correct this to be certain ... Oh, correction .. I see from your info under the picture that you have the 4500 Edited July 15, 2015 by JLSleather Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1Haskell Report post Posted July 15, 2015 Nice! Not sure how to reply to each reply so will post here. Dirtclod that article on tension summed up what I have been trying to understand for years. I don't think it leaves anything to ponder and am very thankful that you shared it. JLSleather I had no idea the way the bobbin is loaded over vs under would make such a difference. I am thinking that might be the issue since it didn't happen until after I changed the bobbin. Only problem now is I have to resolve both the bobbin and the tension since I decided to adjust the tension in the midst of my frustration. Thank you both! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted July 15, 2015 Bob K has a video, shows how it should go in that machine. http://www.youtube.com/embed/boZOA4MTu2Y You can fast forward to about 2:30 on that video. My machine doesn't say cowboy, and the video for this one shows the bobbin going in the other way. Likely, it can be done either way, but it WOULD change the tensions One more thing about that bobbin area. You likely have two small screws on that bobbin case, which set the bobbin tension. If one is loose, that could cause it to move on you. And if you have top thread laying on the top of the leather, then you have either too much top tension, not enough bottom tension, or both. Before you start moving dials, did you change the weight of the thread you were using? That alone can change the tension(s) needed. Still, first things first... this is the order I would do it.... Step 1.) Make sure your bobbin is in the right way. Step 2.) Test on a scrap piece of leather (upload a pic for us, that might be something we'll recognize) Step 3.) Get a cold drink, and bitch that for $2500, you'd think a simple manual wouldn't be too much to ask. Dealers are paying MAYBE half of that price? Certainly a simple sketch is possible.... If that didn't fix it, THEN move to other issues. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirtclod Report post Posted July 15, 2015 On my machine I have very little tenson on the top with 277 thread. I have to tighten the tenson a little when I use 138. On the bottom tenson I don't fool with after I get it set. I never really noticed any differnce any differnce when I put bobbin in backwards. A couple of times a bobbin didn't wind right for some reason I would have problems. When I got my machine I was told to set the tension for the thinest thig I would be sewing and it should be good for everythung else. So far that has worked most of the time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1Haskell Report post Posted July 15, 2015 I did go from a 277 to 138 I will let you all know how it turns out. I can't thank you enough. I tried to load pics but they are to large. I did find a sample of what it looked like in the first article that was sent. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1Haskell Report post Posted July 15, 2015 :clapping:It was the tension possibly due to changing thread size. I made the adjustment and the stitches are perfect! Thank you all so much. I have saved this valuable information to my notes. Also, I agree I would prefer to have the full manual to this machine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted July 15, 2015 I keep a "sample' of the types of material I sew most often right at teh machine. So if I make a change, from 2 layers of 9 oz leather to one layer of 8 and a layer of 4, or to a layer of 6/7 backed with 3 oz chrome suede, etc. Takes a minute (maybe) to stitch a couple inches in scrap and adjust if needed instead of 'hoping' it will work on the project Oh, speaking as one who has made that mistake -- - I generally also check how much thread is on the bobbin before I start a project. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
